HCehaudrcehr hNerwes
BLAIRGOWRIE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
Iain Craig began the service on Sunday by welcoming those gathered and leading the singing of ‘To God Be The Glory’ and ‘Light Of The World’.
Pastor Derek Johnston then spoke to the children and young people about sailing.
He said: “The ancient world knew how wind could fill a sail and propel a boat along the water.
“It’s this image that is behind Peter’s words in 2 Peter ch 1, vv 21, as he writes about the nature of the Bible.
“It tells us that the Bible was not man’s ideas and fantasy, ‘but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit’. As such the Bible is unique, trustworthy and true.”
After prayer Mr Craig led the singing of ‘Shout To The Lord’.
The congregation then read from 2 Thessalonians ch 1, vv 3-12, and had a further time of prayer before singing, ‘Yet Not I But Christ In Me’.
Mr Johnston went on to speak about the passage in Thessalonians, a letter which was written by the apostle Paul to a church which was experiencing persecution.
He said that what is remarkable is that, despite their severe trials, their faith and love grew.
They were a great example of God’s sustaining grace to other believers.
While the church in this country today enjoys the freedom to worship, the church in other parts of the world does not always enjoy those same freedoms.
This passage is an encouragement to them as it includes the reminder that God is just and one day will address unfair
treatment.
Mr Johnston said it’s also worth noting that according to organisations that support the persecuted church, such as Open Doors, the church in many difficult contexts today is also growing in faith and love. Although distant, people can stand with them in persecution by regularly remembering them in prayer.
The service ended with the singing of ‘There Is A Day’ and a closing prayer.
Services take place in Rattray Hall on Sundays and all are welcome to attend.
• See the website www.bechurch.co.uk for more information.
BLAIRGOWRIE PARISH CHURCH
The theme of morning worship at Blairgowrie Parish Church was ‘Precious as Pure Gold’, based on Job ch 23 and 1 Peter ch 1, vv 3-12.
Following Rev Benjamin Abeledo’s welcome and intimations the hymn, ‘All My Hope in God is Founded’ was sung.
Mr Abeledo continued by saying that lots of people have an iPhone which allows them to search for information via Siri where a voice asks: ‘What can I help with?’ The idea is that you ask a question.
However, when thinking about sermons, Google cannot always give an answer, a reminder that whatever in life comes before us, people need to believe in Christ. He is not seen and is not Google but there’s nothing that God doesn’t know.
Between the hymns ‘My Hope is Built on Nothing Less’ and ‘Rejoice the Lord is King’, Colleen Joslin read the scriptures from Job ch 23 and 1 Peter ch 1, vv 3-12.
Commencing his sermon, the Minister said that in 1993 Dr Goff, a geologist in
South America, picked up pieces of gold following the eruption of a volcano. Up until then no-one knew it existed. Just as the gold was pushed to the surface, faith can be pushed likewise.
People are living in trying times and just as gold is purified by fire, Christians are tested by adversity.
Difficulties come for a reason and that which is not gold will be burned away. There will be a testing of faith, perhaps not a physical one, but a spiritual one.
God does not explain detours in people’s lives but faith is trusting in advance.
He said that all things work together for good for those who love God and that we know this because, firstly, the Lord ordains the purpose of people’s lives and secondly He directs and oversees people (“wherever you go I will be with you”).
People are told they are soon to be going through bad times and their faith is going to be tested but God remains with us.
Making reference to the Bible readings, Mr Abeledo pointed out that there was a link between the two.
Even though Job, Peter and John had suffered adversity, because of their faith they were able to go on their way rejoicing.
Mr Abeledo concluded with the story of George Muller, an Evangelist who founded schools and orphanages for children in Bristol.
He never asked anyone for money but relied totally on provisions through prayer.
The service concluded with the hymn, ‘Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine’.
Music by organist Martha Easton was Minuet from ‘Berenice’ by Handel and ‘Hosanna to the King’ by Gene Clarke.
Anyone wishing to donate towards the church flowers is asked to put a contribution inside an envelope in the offering plate.
These will be passed on to Yvonne Taylor, who will purchase and arrange the flower display.
In order to update its audio-visual systems in the sanctuary and the halls, the church is launching a special financial appeal.
More details on how contributions can be made will be available in the near future.
• See the website www. blairgowrieparishchurch.org.uk/ sermons for more information on church activities.
RIVERSIDE METHODISTS
Sunday services are from 11am at Blairgowrie’s Wellmeadow Cafe.
• See www.riversidemethodist-church. co.uk for more information.
SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCHES
Sunday services start from 9.30am in St Catharine’s in Blairgowrie, 11.15am in St Anne’s in Coupar Angus and 11.15am at St Ninian’s in Alyth.
All welcome.
• See www.abcsaints.co.uk for information on the churches.